Follow Directions/Instructions

I recently purchased a new gas grill for my back deck as well as camping trips. I recalled the first gas grill I purchased and it came with very tedious and detailed instructions about assembly. I remember thinking that I would not do that again. This new grill was mostly assembled when it came out of the box. I think I had to put in 4 screws and two nuts and I was finished. The instructions were simple as well as the assembly, because it was mostly assembled for me.

I sometimes struggle with directions and instructions. I hear the first step pretty clear, but after the third step, I can’t seem to retain all of that. For example, when someone gives me directions and there is more than two turns, I may not get to where I’m supposed to be going. It’s helps me tremendously to write the directions down.

King David had prepared a place to put the Ark of the Covenant. He recalled the first time they tried to bring it to Jerusalem and he did it differently this time. Check this out…

11 Then David summoned Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab the Levites. 12 He said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 13 It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the Lord our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way.” 14 So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 15:11-15 NIV)

This was a hard lesson learned for David. I could hear the frustration with himself over the mistakes he made the first time he moved the ark. I think there are at least a couple of reasons that I don’t follow instructions/directions very well. First, I get excited to go for it and the details escape me. Second, I’m too proud to admit I don’t know something.

I’m learning to slow down and gather data before taking action. I’m learning to follow instructions that came with the project. I’m learning that there is great wisdom in laying down my pride and asking for insight from others who’ve been down this road before. The most important person that I seek direction and insight from is the Lord. He speaks volumes of wisdom through His Word and He often prompts me on the spot through the Presence of His Spirit in me. I know that probably seems weird to others, but I’ve learned to trust His prompting. I’m resolved to follow His direction and His instruction for my life.

Pressing On!

Dwayne